Now I'm 30 do I suck at video games?
Turning 30 felt like a milestone I wasn't quite prepared for. Suddenly, I found myself grappling with aches and pains I'd never had before—my knees started acting up, my back seemed to have developed a mind of its own, and gaming marathons, once a staple of my weekends, now seemed like feats of endurance I wasn't sure I was up for anymore.
It's led me to ponder—does getting older really make you worse at gaming? My gut feeling says yes, but it's more complicated than that. When I was younger, I could easily sink 12 hours into a game without batting an eye. Now, even though I still dedicate a considerable amount of time to gaming, I can't quite keep up with the sheer volume of hours that younger players can invest.
That being said, I've come to realize that age doesn't necessarily equate to a decline in gaming prowess. With 500 hours clocked in Overwatch 2 and a solid gold rank to show for it, I'd like to think I hold my own pretty well. But how would I stack up against other gamers in their 30s?
Research does suggest that aging can impact gaming, primarily through changes in reaction time and motor skills. However, these effects vary greatly among individuals and don't spell the end of competitive gaming for older players. The key seems to be adaptation and practice. With enough dedication, older gamers can still perform at high levels, albeit with some adjustments to their gaming routine
Interestingly, the gaming community is far more diverse in age than one might expect. The notion that video games are just for kids is outdated. The average gamer is 35, and there's a significant number of players over 50 diving into digital worlds daily
This diversity is heartening and dispels the myth that gaming has an expiration date.
Yet, I can't deny that it takes me longer now to get good at a game. My endurance isn't what it used to be, and after an hour or two of gaming, I find myself needing a break to rest my eyes, stretch my back, or just clear my head. I suppose this is just part of aging, but it hasn't dampened my love for gaming.
The reality is that older gamers like myself might face more challenges in keeping up with the fast-paced nature of some games, but it doesn't mean we're out of the competition. Gaming is a passion that transcends age, and with a little adjustment and a lot of practice, we can continue to enjoy and excel in our favorite games.
So, here I am at 30, navigating the new realities of gaming with a few more breaks and a bit more strategy. It's a different experience from my gaming marathons of youth, but no less enjoyable. And who knows? Maybe the wisdom and patience I've gained with age will give me an edge in the virtual battlegrounds. After all, gaming isn't just about quick reflexes—it's about strategy, creativity, and, most importantly, having fun.
